Gynaecology

Heavy or Irregular Periods

Heavy periods are common and most women will experience it at some point in their reproductive lives. However in some cases there may be no particular underlying cause and this is termed as dysfunctional bleeding.

It is difficult to know if your periods are heavy or normal as compared to other women.

Your periods could be heavy if:

You pass large clots frequently

You require frequent change of pads or tampons

You feel giddiness or lethargy and your blood counts are low

Common or possible causes are:

Fibroids

Endometriosis

Uterine polyps

Hormonal problems

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Gynaecological Cancers

In order to come to the correct diagnosis we will take a detailed history and suggest tests that may be only necessary in your particular case.

This may be

Blood counts or tumour markers

An ultrasound evaluation

Endometrial sampling (Beyond 35yrs)

Hysteroscopy (a small telescope is passed into the neck of the womb to see the inner lining of the uterus. We also do polyp removals at the same time)

Once we have come to a conclusion then we will most often suggest medication to help you along. Surgery may be indicated in some cases and we usually offer keyhole surgery if need be.